Conduct Policy

Purpose

The Franklin Park Public Library District offers an environment conducive to the use of the Library’s informational, educational and recreational materials, programs, and services.  People using the Library must conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the Library’s nature and purpose.

Code of Conduct

All patrons observing proper conduct in the Library are allowed to freely make use of the Library.  Those whose conduct is disruptive to Library operations and other patrons’ use of the Library may have the privilege of using the Library abridged or denied.

No list can be exhaustive, and any conduct that disrupts the Library is prohibited.  Conduct which may lead to denial of Library privileges includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Damaging library property
• Threatening or harassing patrons or staff members
• Possessing a weapon unless in performance of official duties
• Bringing animals into the library except service animals
• Possessing alcohol or any illegal substance or being intoxicated while on Library premises
• Eating
• Bringing drinks that are not in covered containers into the library
• Bringing drinks, covered or otherwise, into areas of the library in which drinks are not allowed; drinks are not allowed near library computers or in the aisles where library materials are shelved. Covered drinks are allowed in the public seating areas of the main library and in Kids Crossing.
• Smoking in the library or within 15 feet of a library entrance
• Presenting offensive and pervasive odor or odors which constitute a nuisance for other patrons or staff
• Entering the library not fully clothed, including shoes and/or shirt
• Playing of audio equipment so that others may hear it
• Talking loudly, and/or using offensive, abusive, or profane language
• Using a cell phone in a manner that disturbs others; cell phones should be set to vibrate, and when talking on a cell phone, persons should use a low conversational tone
• Using the library restroom for bathing, shampooing, or as a laundry
• Using a skateboard, scooter, rollerblades or skates in the library or on library property
• Sleeping in the library
• Soliciting, selling, and/or promoting commercial enterprises in the library or on library grounds
• Passing petitions to library patrons, conducting surveys not undertaken directly by the Library, distributing pamphlets or other materials directly to library patrons or staff
• Trespassing into any area closed to the public
• Any behavior which may be reasonably expected to result in injury to self or others
• Any illegal activity

Parental Responsibilities

• It is the responsibility of the parents or other responsible adult 18 years or older to supervise their child or children at all times in the library or on library grounds.
• Children under the age of nine (9) years must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult 18 years or older.
• Children under the age of nine (9) not accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult 18 years or older will be referred to the custody of the Franklin Park Police in order to ensure their safety.
• The library is not a substitute for a child care center or babysitting service.

Telephone Policy

Telephones at the Franklin Park Public Library are reserved for staff use for official business. Telephone lines need to be kept open at all times so that Library staff can be available to assist patrons and answer questions. Patrons of the Library may not use Library telephones except in the following circumstance:

• If the health, safety, or security of a patron depends upon a telephone call, Library staff at the Circulation Desk, Information Desk, or Kids Crossing Desk will be allowed to make the call for the patron. Examples of this situation might be to report an incident to the police or for emergency transportation. Children under the age of 18 may call their parents for transportation. Local calls only are permitted in these circumstances. No calls which incur long distance charges will be made.

The Library has no public pay phone available.

Personal calls will not be made for patrons.

Calls requiring more than approximately 2 to 3 minutes cannot be made for the patron.

Conduct at Closing Time

All patrons must expeditiously leave the library premises at closing time.  Transportation is the sole responsibility of the patron or parent, guardian or other authorized person.  Adults or minors who remain at the library after closing may be referred to the Franklin Park Police in order to ensure their safety.

If any child under the age of fourteen (14) does not have a responsible adult present when the Library closes, two Library staff members will stay with the child.  After waiting ten minutes and unsuccessfully attempting to contact the responsible adult, the child will be referred to the custody of the Franklin Park Police in order to ensure his/her safety. An incident report must be written for any situation of an unattended child.

Under no circumstances should Library employees give children or other patrons rides, or be left alone with them, even if they know them.

Enforcement

Any staff member may enforce this Policy by pointing out violations to patrons and requesting compliance.  Library staff may request that a patron who refuses to comply, leave the library for the remainder of the day or until his or her behavior is brought into compliance with the Policy.  Library staff may call the police for assistance if a patron refuses to comply and/or refuses to leave the library.  Staff members must report serious or recurring violations to the Librarian-in-charge. For such violations, the Librarian-in-charge must ensure that an incident report is written by writing it her/himself or assisting other staff members directly involved in the incident in completing the report.

Video recordings or photographs made from security cameras showing a violation by a patron of the Library’s Patron Conduct Policy may be used to support suspension or termination of a patron’s library privileges and/or immediate ejection from the library.  Video recordings or photographs made from security cameras may also be shared with police if illegal activity is suspected.

The Library Administrator is authorized to exclude from the use of the library any person who engages in disruptive behavior.  The patron may appeal the decision to the Library Board of Trustees in writing within one month of the exclusion date.  The Library Administrator or, if appealed, the Board of Trustees will determine the time period for which a patron is excluded from the library.

Adopted 2/12/08 Rev. 7/1/08, 3/1/11, 7/16/12, 11/11/14